Vagnial Yeast Infection Symptoms

Vaginal yeast infections can be uncomfortable and can hurt. These yeast infections can be caused my numerous things, from diet to certain lifestyle habits. The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are fairly noticeable and can be determined somewhat easily when you know what to look for.

Identification

• A vaginal yeast infection is exactly as it sounds. It's an infection that occurs in the vagina caused by yeast. This is also called "candidiasis." A yeast infection also can occur in the mouth or any moist area of the skin.

Causes

• The most common causes of yeast infections are: certain antibiotic treatments, birth control pills, wearing tight clothing in warm weather, prolonged or repeated intercourse in a short time frame, soap, pregnancy, diabetes, stress, detergent, restrained immune system, and foods or drinks containing large amounts of carbohydrates.

Treatment

• The most common treatment for a yeast infection is an antifungal medication. The more common medications are Monistat, Femstat and Terazol, all of which are available at your drugstore without a prescription. However, before you begin treatment, sometimes it is best to see your doctor to confirm that it is a vaginal yeast infection and not something more serious.

Misconceptions

• Vaginal yeast infections come with an itchiness that is usually persistent. If you aren't experiencing any itching--yet have a foul odor--you might have something more serious than a vaginal yeast infection. Yeast infections normally have no smell, but they do have slight discharge.

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are:
  itching, burning and irritation of the vagina. You might feel a burning sensation when you urinate or experience pain during sexual intercourse. An odorless discharge might be present; it might be a thick, white/gray substance with a consistency similar to cottage cheese.

Facts

• Here are some facts concerning vaginal yeast infections that you may not have already known. Having sexual intercourse with someone while you have a yeast infection puts them at risk of developing the infection as well. When you wear tight or ill-fitting underwear or pants, you are at risk of developing a yeast infection because your vagina is not getting a good amount of air and is instead really warm, causing moisture to collect. Diets that contain high amounts of sugars and calories also put you at risk for a yeast infection.

Warnings

• Do not have sexual intercourse while you have a vaginal yeast infection.
  Always wash your hands after you treat the infection. After you finish swimming, always change immediately to avoid the development of a yeast infection. Do not douche while you have a vaginal yeast infection, as this can make the infection worse.